Halfway through the 2020s, fans can appreciate the quality of anime they have experienced, from modern classics likeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Endto hype-inducing action series likeSolo Leveling. However, fans can look back at every single decade and see its value and content, and with the 2010s being the most recent decade to conclude, it is arguably one of the most important eras in anime history.
The 2010s are when anime took the next step in popularity, pumping out remarkable shows every year to give fans an impressive selection. That is why this list will find the best anime from 2010-2019 and rank them, comparing which is the best of the decade. The ranking is based onwriting, story, entertainment level, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and how much it represents the 2010s. Only first seasons are eligible, meaning shows likeDiamond is Unbreakableor future seasons of an entry on this list will not be featured.
10’Mob Psycho 100' (2016)
Created by ONE
ONEis one of the greatest modern-day manga authors and will have another entry later on in this list, but for now,Mob Psycho100 earns the title as the best anime of 2016. Mob is the world’s strongest psychic, but he only wants an everyday life. His shy personality and reserved emotions hinder his powers, releasing themselves in psychic outbursts, causing trouble for him and his friends.
Before fans get upset, this entry only includesMob Psycho 100season one since it came out in 2016. Most fans would agree it is the weakest of the three, but that doesn’t stop it from being the best anime of the year.Mob Psycho 100is one of thebest coming-of-age anime series, delivering wholesome development, stunning animation, and top-notch humor.
Mob Psycho 100
9’Made in Abyss' (2017)
Created by Akihito Tsukushi
2017 was a slower year for anime, but thankfully, fans were graced withMade in Abyss. Only mysteries lie at the bottom of the Abyss, and Riko wants to learn them and find her mother. Accompanying her is Reg, a mysterious cyborg who originated from the chasm, prompting even more questions and adding more weight to their perilous journey.
Some questionable aspects preventMade in Abyssfrom reaching a higher level, but it is stilla remarkable series with some ofthebest worldbuilding in anime. It’s surprisingly dark content adds a terrifying layer to this anime that excels in adventure and shock factor. One moment, fans will cry, and the next, they will sit in amazement, which just showsMade in Abyss' quality.
Made in Abyss
8’Attack on Titan' (2013)
Created by Hajime Isayama
Even though this entry only includes the first season, no other show deserves the title of 2013’s best anime except forAttack on Titan. After the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, only to gain the ability to turn into a Titan. He uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the walls and learn the truth behind the ferocious creatures.
While future seasons would establishAttack on Titanas a legendary show, the first season is still ananime masterpiece of the decade. The dark, gritty world, well-written characters, groundbreaking story, and stellar animation would draw fans from around the world. The first season ofAttack on Titanwas historic, withexhilarating entertainment that would take over the world for the next decade.
Attack On Titan
7’Psycho-Pass' (2012)
Created by Gen Urobuchi
Most anime on this list are adapted from a manga, butPsycho-Passis an original series. In the 22nd century, they found an objective way to root out crime before it happened with the Sibyl system. As enforcers rigidly follow the rules, a rookie questions the ethics of this system, learning about its unjust methods, and must now put a stop to it.
Future seasons would dilute the quality of this initially phenomenal series, but luckily, this list ranks whatever came out in its respective year, and the first season ofPsycho-Passis a masterpiece. Thephilosophical and psychological debate is an intriguing aspect of this anime, using its gorgeous world and thrilling plot to delve into themes of morality and justice.
Psycho-Pass
6’One Punch Man' (2015)
WhileMob Psycho 100is the better series overall,One Punch Manhad the better first season, earning it a higher spot on this list. After hard work and constant training, Saitama became the world’s strongest hero, except no one knows it, and he can’t find a decent challenge. Searching for a worthy opponent, the series follows him and an ensemble of heroes protecting the world from whatever threat pops up next.
Since season two isn’t eligible for this list,One Punch Mancomfortably became one of the best anime of this decade, with the first season marking a crucial time in the 2010s. It blew up onto the scene as one of themost-watched series of the decade, becoming a landmark. The stunning animation and the fights are magnificent, creating a perfect twelve-episode series that is one of themost entertaining anime ever.
One Punch Man
5’The Tatami Galaxy' (2010)
Created by Tomihiko Morimi
2010 started the decade fantastically, withThe Tatami Galaxybeing one of that era’s most critically praised series. The protagonist is searching for the ideal college life, starting with getting a girlfriend. Each episode occurs in an alternate timeline where he joins a different club to impress his crush. However, nothing ever seems to go his way.
The Tatami Galaxyis one of the most visually appealing and inventive anime on this list,dazzling viewers with its gorgeous animation, art style, and story. Its relentless pace forces viewers to pay attention to the hectic dialogue and frantic animation. Its motivational message and imaginative storytelling make it one of thebest avant-garde anime seriesand a staple of the decade.
The Tatami Galaxy
4’Violet Evergarden' (2018)
Created by Kana Akatsuki and Akito Takase
Violet Evergardenis one of the most beautiful pieces of fiction that anime has created, delivering a complete story with a television series and a finale movie. After the war’s end, the titular character no longer has a purpose but finds meaning by writing her clients' emotions and feelings on paper. However, with no real emotions herself, she journeys to find the meaning of the words from the only person who cared for her.
The most popular anime are over-the-top action series with world-ending stakes, butViolet Evergardenproves that subtlety and emotion can be popular and critically acclaimed. As one of themost visually stunning anime shows, it will captivate fans with its attention to detail and immense quality. However,the story is as profound, offering a heartwarming adventure with beautiful storytellingand character development.
Violet Evergarden
3’Ping Pong the Animation' (2014)
Created by Taiyou Matsumoto
Table tennis isn’t the most thrilling sport, and most fans wouldn’t assume it would make a great anime. However,Ping Pong the Animationwould prove them wrong. Smile and Peco are best friends, but their enjoyment changes when they enter table tennis professionally. Smile is too good and doesn’t find it fun, and Peco isn’t good enough to compete, taking them through the struggles of sport and winning.
The coming-of-age story is relatable and profound, accentuated by theinventive animation, imagery, symbolism, and storytelling. The vibrant characters are ever-changing, and the side cast is just as fascinating, each with their own goals, desires, and hardships.Ping Pong the Animationis a modern classicthat tells a relatable story about growth through multiple perspectives.
Ping Pong The Animation
2’Vinland Saga' (2019)
Created by Makoto Yukimaru
The year before the 2020s,Vinland Sagawon a hard-fought battle for the best anime of 2019. With classics such asDemon SlayerandDororo, this was the most competitive year for anime. After the Vikings kill his father, Thorfinn joins their crew, hoping to get revenge, but must train to become stronger. While he is journeying with the Vikings, Thorfinn’s life only gets duller, as revenge is the only thing keeping him going.
In one of the best years of anime,Vinland Sagaproved to be the best with itsgritty action, thrilling revenge plot, philosophical themes, and well-written characters. As one ofthe best historical anime, this show is reasonably accurate, but also knows when to dramatize events for impact. The first season ofVinland Sagais remarkable, and after the second season, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes one of the greatest anime shows of all time.
Vinland Saga
1’Hunter x Hunter' (2011–2014)
Created by Yoshihiro Togashi
While 2019 was the best year for anime, the hardest decision was betweenSteins;GateandHunter x Hunterin 2011. However, the latter wins this match because of its mass appeal, longevity, and cultural impact. Gon sets off on an adventure to become a Hunter in order to find his absent father. But if he wants to see him, Gon must endure rigorous training and mentally taxing battles.
Many fans considerHunter x Hunterthe greatest anime of all time, and it’s hard to argue that claim. It is a definitive anime that reinvents shōnen, adding darkness and better storytelling. With some ofthe best arcs in anime, every episode is a delight that builds upon the last until it has created one ofthe most remarkable landmarks in anime history.Hunter x Hunterappeals to most fans, mixing genres and maturity levels with entertaining moments and excellent stories, establishing itself as the best anime of the 2010s.
Hunter x Hunter
NEXT:The Best Anime Show From Every Year of the 2000s, Ranked
